The conservation of Sri Lanka’s indigenous flora and fauna is a national priority, and the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) plays a crucial role in safeguarding these natural resources. Entrusted with the long-term protection of wildlife across Sri Lanka’s land and sea territories, the DWC operates under the legal framework of the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance (FFPO). The department manages an extensive network of Wildlife Protected Areas (WLPAs) that spans over 12,500 km², which accounts for 18.9% of Sri Lanka’s land surface. To date, the DWC has established 109 WLPAs, including 40 National Reserves and 69 Sanctuaries.
The FFPO also provides legal protection for wildlife resources outside the designated protected areas. The DWC is the authority responsible for enforcing these laws, ensuring that wildlife conservation extends beyond the boundaries of WLPAs.
In addition to preserving biodiversity, the DWC’s network of WLPAs plays a vital role in protecting large-scale reservoirs and their catchment areas, which are essential for agriculture and hydro-power generation in Sri Lanka. Most major reservoirs, Tank catchment areas and also the upper catchments of major rivers fall within these protected areas. The DWC safeguards over 40 reservoirs that are crucial for agriculture and hydro-power generation.
Vision: Conservation of wildlife heritage for present and future generations.
Mission: Ensure the conservation of wildlife heritage through participatory management.
Objectives:
- Develop national strategic plans and programs for wildlife conservation, aligned with national and international policies.
- Secure and enhance protected areas representing all natural ecosystems in Sri Lanka, ensuring the sustainability of wildlife populations.
- Identify, classify, and manage protected areas based on scientific research and regulations, while monitoring their status.
- Prepare and implement conservation plans for endangered species.
- Facilitate eco-tourism in protected areas, with a focus on ecosystem conservation.
- Enforce the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance and other regulations to combat illegal wildlife exploitation.
- Promote scientific research relevant to wildlife management in Sri Lanka.
- Enhance the skills of DWC staff through training, encouragement, and motivation.
- Increase public participation in conservation activities through awareness programs.
- Encourage communities living around protected areas to engage in conservation efforts, while improving their socio-economic conditions by reducing their dependency on protected areas.